Interfacing lift hitch

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure includes an interfacing lift hitch for connection between a tractor and an implement. The hitch includes retractable, implement connecting hooks and is U-shaped to allow operation of the power takeoff of the tractor. The disclosure further includes a drawbar mounting device connectable to the U-shaped lift hitch when the power takeoff is not being operated, and a four point hitch mechanism connected to one of my lift hitches and being operable when the hooks are moved to an out of the way position.

This application is related to my copending application Ser. No. 121,344filed Nov. 16, 1987 and issued on July 25, 1989 as U.S. Pat. No.4,850,789, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to improvements to an interfacing lifthitch which attaches as an interface between a tractor or front loaderand an industrial or farm implement such as a plow.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art includes a hitch having three hooks rigidly affixedthereto and disposed in a similar fashion as the points on aconventional three-point hitch. The hitch attaches to the rear end of atractor and is coupled to the front end of an implement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A feature of the present invention is the provision in an interfacinglift hitch having hooks movable to an out of the way position andarranged in a three point orientation, of an inverted U-shaped framearrangement allowing the operation of the power takeoff of a tractor.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a lifthitch, of a readily lockable and removable hook of the three point hookarrangement.

Another feature of the invention is the provision in such a lift hitch,of a pair of pivoting locking bars for locking the lower hooks of thethree point hook arrangement. The locking bars provide rigidity to thehooks in their operating position but allow them to be retracted readilyto the out of the way position in the lift hitch.

Another feature of the present invention is a drawbar mounting implementthat mounts and carries a drawbar close to the ground. The drawbarmounting device is connectable to a three point hook arrangement.

Another feature of the present invention is a drawbar mounting deviceconnectable to a U-shaped lift hitch when the power takeoff isdisconnected from the tractor and wherein the drawbar mounting deviceincludes a winch.

Another feature of the present invention is a drawbar and lift forkstand for storage and ready retrieval of implements such as drawbars andlift forks. Drawbars and lift forks are typically too massive for oneman to lift and connect to a hitch. The stand allows the drawbars andlift forks to be connected and disconnected to the hitch without alifting operation.

Another feature of the present invention is an improved automaticlatching and locking mechanism that permits the connection of massiveimplements which are too heavy for a hitch with a three point hookarrangement. The improvement allows a massive load to be carried withoutsacrificing the quick release retractable features of the present lifthitch.

Another feature of the present invention is a retractable pallet forkthat mounts on the lift hitch and swings inwardly and upwardly to an outof the way position. The retractability permits the pallet fork toremain connected to the lift hitch but in an out of the way positionwhile other mounting devices are used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the inverted generally U-shapedlift hitch for allowing operation of the power takeoff of a tractor.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the lift hitch shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a locking bar for locking one of the lowerhooks of the lift hitch as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a drawbar mounting deviceconnectable to the lift hitch shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a winch mounted on a drawbarmounting device similar to the one shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a drawbar and lift fork stand.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a stone pulling drawbar connectable tothe drawbar mounting devices shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a deep tillage ripping drawbarconnectable to the drawbar mounting devices of FIG. 4 and 5.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of an interfacing lift hitch with afour point hitch mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the interfacing lift hitch andfour point hitch mechanism shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11A is a detail elevation view of a portion of the four point hitchmechanism of the lift hitch of FIG. 9 with the hitch mechanism shown inan open orientation.

FIG. 11B is a detail elevation view of the hitch mechanism of FIG. 11Ain a locked orientation.

FIG. 12A is a detail elevation view of an alternate embodiment of thefour point hitch mechanism.

FIG. 12B is a section view at lines 12B--12B of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a retractable lift fork connectableto the four point hitch mechanism shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a lift fork connectable to the lifthitch of FIG. 1 or FIG. 9.

FIG. 15A shows an alternate top hook embodiment.

FIG. 15B shows the alternate hook of FIG. 15A connected to a portion ofa hitch.

FIG. 16A shows an alternate embodiment of a portion of the four pointhitch mechanism.

FIG. 16B shows a bottom plan view of FIG. 16A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an inverted U-shaped, yoke like, interfacinglift hitch 10 includes a set of three retractable hooks 11, 12 and 13.The U-shaped lift hitch 10 includes a U-channelled top bar 15 having apair of opposing ends 16, 17. A U-channelled interior side bar 18 isrigidly affixed to and extends downwardly from end 16. A U-channelledinterior side bar 19 is rigidly affixed to and extends downwardly fromend 17. Top bar 15 and side bars 18, 19 form a U-shaped opening 20 for apower takeoff of a tractor.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, a rectangular opening 21 is formed ineach of the bars 18, 19 for allowing the bottom hooks 1, 13 to beretracted into the bar 18, 19. Each of the hooks 12, 13 is removablyconnected to and pivots on a removable transverse pin 22 rotatablyconnected to each of the bars 18, 19.

As shown in FIG. 3, a hook lock or locking bar 23 is pivotally connectedwithin each of the bars 18, 19 for locking the hooks 12, 13 to extendedoperating positions. Each hook lock 23 is pivotally connected to arespective removable transverse pin 24 which is rotatably connected toits respective bar 18 or 19. The hook lock 23 is substantiallyrectangular except for an integral downward central extension 25 fordefining category 2 and 3 hitch configurations. A spring means 26 isaffixed to a removable transverse pin 27 mounted in each of the bars 18,19 and includes a downwardly extending leg 28 which is continuouslyurged against a rear face of the hook lock 23 to continuously urge thehook lock 23 forwardly and against an interior front section of each ofthe bars 18, 19 and against a rear edge 29 of an integral uprightextension 30 of each of the hooks 12, 13. With each lock 23 continuouslybiased against each of the hooks 12, 13, a lower rear edge 31 of each ofthe hooks 12, 13 is urged against a face 32 of each of the bars 18, 19so as to lock each of the hooks 12, 13 in a rigid extended operatingposition. A first vertical edge 33 of lock extension 25 and a firstvertical edge 34 forming part of opening 21 clamps the upright extension30 therebetween to limit transverse movement of each of the hooks 12,13. A second vertical edge 35 of lock extension 25 and a second verticaledge 36 forming part of opening 21 serves to limit transverse movementof each of the hooks 12, 13 and to clamp each of the hooks 12, 13 in adifferent category hitch position. To retract each of the hooks 12, 13or to allow the hooks 12, 13 to remove transversely on each pin 22 intoa category 3 hitch position from a category 2 hitch position, each hooklock 23 is retracted rearwardly and upwardly. Such a retractionoperation may be facilitated by a tractor operated cord affixed to therear face of each lock 23.

The clamping retractable top hook 11 clamps to a central portion of thetop bar 15. A downwardly extending front portion 40 is integrallyconnected to a planar middle portion 41. The hook 11 is rigidlyconnected, such as by welding, to the front face of the front portion40. A downwardly extending rear portion 42 is integrally connected to arear end of the middle portion 41. The rear portion 42 of the top hookis pivotally connected by a transverse pin 43 affixed to and between apair of ears 44, 45 rigidly connected to and extending rearwardly from arear face 46 of the top bar 15. The hook 11 retractably pivots on pin43.

The lift hitch 10 is connectable to a conventional three point hitch ofa tractor wherein such a hitch may include lower booms 50, 51 and a top,central hydraulic cylinder and piston 52. Hence, a power takeoff of thetractor is operable through opening 20 for connection to an implement.The lift hitch 10 includes outer locking mechanisms rigidly affixed toupright support bars 17, 19 as described in my earlier filed andcopending application Ser. No. 121,344 filed Nov. 16, 1987.

As shown in FIG. 4, a drawbar mounting implement 100 has a longitudinal,elongate drawbar receiving slot 101 formed in a bottom end 102 of anupright central bar 103 for receiving and mounting a drawbar. Theimplement 100 is typically utilized in connection with the invertedU-shaped lift hitch 10 which lacks a connection for a drawbar. Thebottom end 102 of the upright bar 103 is rigidly connected such as bywelding to a transverse lower bar 104 having a pair of transverse openended hitching pins 105, 106 set rigidly therein for connection to thebottom hooks of a quick hitch such as the inverted U-shaped lift hitch10 with bottom hooks 12, 13 shown in FIG. 1. An upper transverse pin 107is affixed in an upper end 108 of the bar 103. The bar 103 has an openrear face 109 so that the upper pin 107 is accessible for an upper hookof a quick hitch, such as the upper hook 11 of the lift hitch 10 shownin FIG. 1 and 2.

The elongate slot 101 runs from a front portion 109 of the bottom end102 to a rear portion 110 of the bottom end 102. The slot 101 isdisposed below the level of the bottom pins 105, 106 so that a drawbaris mounted close to the ground. A pair of respective upper and lowerdrawbar support plates 111, 112 forming part of the drawbar receivingslot 101 extend to the rear portion 110 of the bottom end 102. Drawbarpin apertures are formed in rear ends of the support plates 111, 112 forreceiving a drawbar pin. The drawbar pin is inserted in the drawbar pinapertures and in an aperture formed in a rear end of a drawbar tomaintain the drawbar in the drawbar mounting implement 100.

In operation, the drawbar mounting implement 100 is usually mounted onthe inverted U-shaped lift hitch 10 when the power takeoff of thetractor is not being utilized. Pins 105, 106 are connected to therespective lower hooks 12, 13 of the hitch 10 and pin 107 is connectedto upper hook 11 of hitch 10. Subsequently, a drawbar may be received inslot 101 for towing farm implements or performing other operations.

A winch and drawbar implement 200 is disclosed in FIG. 5 for attachmentto a conventional three point hitch or to quick hitch such as theinverted U-shaped lift hitch 10 shown in FIG. 1. The winch and drawbarimplement 200 has a drawbar mounting end 201, which is similar to thedrawbar mounting implement 100 shown in FIG. 4, and a removable cranesupporting end 202.

The drawbar mounting section 201 is formed by a pair of opposingparallel upright plates 203, 204 and a pair of opposing parallel uprightsupports 205, 206 rigidly affixed between the plates 203, 204. Support206 is recessed in from a front portion 207 of plates 203, 204. A lowerend 208 of the drawbar mounting section 201 includes a pair ofrespective upper and lower drawbar receiving longitudinal supportmembers 209, 210 which are rigidly affixed between plates 203, 204 toform a drawbar receiving slot 211 therewith for receiving a drawbar 212.The lower end 208 also includes a transverse bar 213 rigidly affixedthereto. The bar 213 includes a pair of open ended transverse hitchingpins 214, 215 for attachment to the lower pins of a quick hitch such asthe lower pins 12, 13 of the U-shaped lift hitch 10 shown in FIG. 1. Atop transverse hitching pin 216 is affixed between and to the plates 203and 204 for attachment to a top hook of a quick hitch such as top hook22 of lift hitch 10 shown in FIG. 1.

The removable crane supporting pulley end 202 includes a pulley housing220 formed by a bottom U-shaped frame 221 and an interior, top, slidablyremovable, inverted U-channelled frame 222 which slides on top of theframe 221. An exterior, top, U-shaped cover 223 is rigidly affixed toand over the frame 221 and includes a longitudinally formed cablereceiving slot 224. A pair of respective front and rear removable pins225, 226 are insertable in a set of four apertures 227 formed in theslidable, removable, inverted, U-shaped frame 222. The pins 225, 226prevent the slidable frame 222 from sliding out of the end 202. A pairof respective front and rear pulleys 228, 229 are mounted on a pair ofrespective pins 230, 231 affixed in the bottom U-shaped frame 221.

The pulley casing 220 is rigidly mounted on a front elongate upright bar240, an abutting upright bar 241, and a rear upright bar 242. The bars240, 241, and 242 are rigidly affixed together such as by welding. Thebottom end of abutting bar 241 abuts the top end of bar 206. Elongatebar 240 extends down and abuts a front face of bar 206 and a frontbottom portion of the rear bar 242 abuts a rear face of bar 206 so thatthe crane supporting and pulley end 202 is removably mounted on thedrawbar mounting portion 201. It should be noted that the pulley casing220 is rigidly mounted on a brace 243 which has a rear edge rigidlyaffixed to the front face of the elongate bar 240.

The drawbar 212 includes an upright member 250. The upright member 250includes a pin receiving aperture 251. A pin is insertable in theaperture 251, an aperture 252 formed in the lower end of bar 240, and anaperture 253 formed in the lower end of bar 206. The pin clamps thepulley end or portion 202 to the drawbar mounting portion 201. A pinreceiving rear aperture 254 is formed in the drawbar 212 and drawbarsupport plates 209 and 210 for receiving a pin for connecting thedrawbar 212 to the drawbar mounting end 201. It should be noted that thepin insertable in pin receiving aperture 251 may be rigidly affixed tothe upright member 250.

The winch and drawbar implement 200 includes a cable 260 with a distalend 261 connected to a fastener 262. A take-up end 263 of the cable 260is connected to a take-up reel 264 which meshes with and is operated bya crank gear and handle 265. A crank pin 266 is rotatably affixed in theplates 203, 204. The cable 260 extends between the pins 216, 266 and thebar 206.

In operation, pins 214, 215 are connected to the lower hooks 12, 13 ofthe lift hitch 10. The upper hook 11 of the lift hitch is connected tothe pin 216 of the winch implement 200. The drawbar 212 may then beconnected to the implement 200 and thereto by a pin inserted in aperture254. Subsequently, a trailer may be connected to and towed by thedrawbar 212. Concurrently, the winch 200 may be operated to liftmachinery into the trailer using the crane 262 and crank gear and handle265.

If it is not desired to utilize the crane 262 or cable 260, theU-channel frame 222 is slid off the frame 221 to allow the cable 260 tobe removed via the slot 224 and wound and stored about reel 264.Subsequently, the pulley portion 202, which includes pulley casing 220,may be separated from drawbar mounting portion 201.

As shown in FIG. 6, a drawbar or pallet fork or lift fork stand 300includes a pair of legs 301, 302 affixed in a special relationship by aU-channelled crossbar 303. A drawbar receptacle 304 having a drawbarreceiving slot 305 formed therein for receiving and holding a drawbar iscentrally mounted on the crossbar 303 by a first plurality of removablebolt means 306. A second plurality of removable bolt means 307 affixesto the crossbar 303 to the legs 301, 302. The legs 301, 302, thecrossbar 303, and the drawbar receptacle 304 may also be rigidly affixedtogether such as by welding.

The drawbar receiving slot 305 extends from a front edge 310 to a rearedge 311 of the drawbar receptacle 300. The receptacle 300 includes apair of respective drawbar abutting front and rear faces 312, 313 forabutting an end of a drawbar. Crossbar 303 also includes a pair ofrespective drawbar abutting front and rear faces 314-315 for abutting anend of a drawbar.

In operation, the drawbar stand 300 is utilized when a drawbar or liftfork or pallet fork is excessively heavy or long for a one man operationto manually attach or detach the drawbar from a lift hitch such as theretractable lift hitch shown in FIG. 1. To attach a drawbar held by thedrawbar stand 300 to a lift hitch, a tractor with a lift hitch is drivento approach one of the faces or edges 310, 311. The lift hitch is thenraised by the tractor and maneuvered so that a drawbar receiving slot,such as slot 101 as shown in FIG. 4, slides about an end of a drawbar.Pins subsequently are inserted in the drawbar mounting implement anddrawbar to affix the implement to the drawbar. To uncouple a drawbarfrom a lift hitch and insert the drawbar in the drawbar stand 300, atractor is driven to approach one of the faces or edges 310, 311. As thetractor approaches the drawbar stand 300, the distal end of the drawbarmay abut one of the faces 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315. The plurality offaces 310-315 allows the operator to gauge the relative location of thedistal end of the drawbar. U-channelled cross bar member 303 alsoincludes a second drawbar receiving slot 316 for receiving a drawbar orlift fork.

FIG. 7 shows a stone puller or stone pulling drawbar like implement 325.The stone puller 325 includes a substantially straight portion 326. Anintegrally connected first end 327 is integrally connected to adownwardly extending curved portion 328. A second end 329 includes a pinreceiving aperture 330. The substantially straight portion 326 isinsertable in, for instance, the drawbar receiving slot 101 of thedrawbar mounting implement 100 shown in FIG. 4 or in the drawbarreceiving slot 211 of the winch implement 200 shown in FIG. 5. Thecurved portion 328 includes a rounded end 331 and extends approximately180 degrees from end 327 to the rounded end 331.

In operation, the stone puller 325 is affixed to the drawbar mountingimplement 100, the winch implement 200, the lift hitch shown in FIGS. 9and 10, or to a lift hitch disclosed in my earlier application Ser. No.121,344 filed Nov. 16, 1987. Subsequently, the stone puller 325 isinserted behind a rock embedded in soil. A tractor or front end loader,to which the stone puller 325 is affixed, is then driven so as to pullthe rock out of the soil. The stone puller 325 may also be utilized forbreaking or ripping concrete or asphalt.

A deep tillage ripper 350 is shown in FIG. 8. The ripper 350 includes adrawbar like extension 351 having a pin receiving aperture 352. Thedrawbar-like extension 351 is integrally connected to an upright bar 353which is rigidly affixed by a plurality of bolts 354 to a T-bar 355.

An integral lower bar extension 356 extends downwardly from a lower end357 of the T-bar 355. A pair of blade clamping members 358, 359 areclamped to each of the faces of the lower bar extension 356 by aplurality of bolt means 360.

A removable blade 361 is clamped between the blade clamping members 358,359 by a pair of bolt means 362. A rear edge 363 of the blade 361 abutsa front edge 364 of the lower bar extension 356. Blade 361 includes asharpened protruding point 365. Clamping members 358, 359 include a pairof respective curved edges 366, 367 which lie substantially flush with afront edge 368 of blade 361.

In operation, the deep tillage ripper 350 is connectable to the drawbarmounting implement 100, the winch implement 200, the lift hitch shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, or to a lift hitch disclosed in my earlier application.The drawbar like extension 351 is affixed, for instance, in the drawbarreceiving slot 101 of drawbar mounting implement 100 or the drawbarreceiving slot 211 of the winch implement 200. The ripper implement 350is affixed to an implement such as implement 100 or 200 by a pincooperating with aperture 352. Subsequently, the hitch to which theripper implement 305 is affixed is lowered to drive the sharpened point365 into the ground. The tractor and hitch are then driven forwardly todrive the blade 361 further into the ground to till the soil.

An interfacing lift hitch 400 for connection to a front loader is shownin FIGS. 9 and 10. The lift hitch 400 includes a generally rectangular,substantially integral and one-piece inner frame 401 having an upperU-channelled, support member 402, a lower, square tubular, supportmember 403 and a pair of respective side, U-channelled, support members404, 405. The inner frame 401 includes a central, upright, U-channelled,support member 406 rigidly connected between upper and lower members402, 403.

The U-channel support members 404, 405 include upper and lowerremovable, pivotable pins 410, 411 for being connected to respectiveupper and lower front end loader control extension arms 412, 413. Uppercontrol extension arms 412 are typically hydraulic cylinders withlinearly moveale pistons 412.1.

Each of the side, U-channelled, support members 404, 405 includes itsrespective lower hook 12, 13 and respective hook lock 23. The central,upright, U-channel support member 406 includes the upper retractablehook 11.

A drawbar receiving tubular support mount 420 is rigidly affixed in alower section of the upright, U-channel support member 46. A lower edge421 and a pair of side edges 422 also form part of the drawbar mount420. A drawbar is receivable in drawbar slot 423 of the mount 420.

As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 11A and 11B, an outer, automatic locking, fourpoint hitch mechanism 500 for coupling massive, implements is affixed oneach side of the lift hitch 400. A cooperating latch 501 adaptable fordirect connection to an implement such as by welding is shown in FIGS.12A and 12B.

As shown in FIGS. 9-11B, each of the locking mechanisms 500 includes apair of respective, inner and outer, spaced apart support plates 502,503. Each of the inner plates 502 of each of the locking mechanisms isrigidly connected to the side, outer face of one of the upright, sidesupport members 404, 405. The plates 502, 503 of each of the lockingmechanisms 500 are spaced apart and connected by a set of threetransverse coupling members 510, 511, 512. Transverse coupling member510 includes a pair of hook guiding frustum portions 513 connected toplates 502, 503 and affixed with hook receiving pin 514. Transversecoupling member 511 includes a square tubular member 515 and arearwardly extending fin 516 rigidly connected to the square tubularmember 515. Transverse coupling member 512 is typically a square tuberigidly affixed between upright support member 502, 503.

A U-channel member 520 is pivotally affixed at one end to the fin 515 bypin connector 521. An opposing end 522 includes a pin receiving aperture523 for receiving a locking pin.

A cylinder 530 is pivotally affixed to a central portion of theU-channelled portion 520 by a pin connector 531. The cylinder 530 ismounted between opposing sides of the U-channelled member 520. A coiledspring 532 is disposed in the cylinder 530. End 533 of the coiled spring532 bears against the pin connector 531 and a second end 534 of the coilspring bear against one end 535 of a piston 536 slidable in the cylinder530. The piston 535 is pivotally affixed at a second end 537 via a pinconnector 537.1 to a U-channelled fin 538 rigidly affixed to a pivotablelocking bar 539. The bar 539 is pivotally affixed by a pin connector 540to and between upright support members 502, 503. A coil spring 541 isconnected between transverse support member 515 and the locking bar 539to continuously urge the locking bar 539 forwardly. Each side of theU-channelled fin 538 includes an aperture 542 which is alignable withapertures 523 formed in each side of U-channelled lever 520.

The coupling counterpart 501 which is typically adaptable for connectionto a farm implement includes an inverted hook 550 rigidly connected to atop portion of an implement such as a lift fork or pallet fork 551 asshown in FIG. 12A. A pivotable clawed latch 552 with a rear claw 552.2and a front claw 552.3 is pivotally affixed to a U-channelled member 553by a pin connector 554. The U-channel member 554 is in turn rigidlyaffixed to a bottom portion of an implement such as the lift fork 551. Atorsion spring 555 is wound about and affixed to the pin connector 554and continuously urges the clawed latch 552 to an upright, unlatchedposition by one end 551.1 bearing against a front portion of the clawedlatch 552 and by a second end 555.2 bearing against U-channelled member553. Claws 552.2, 552.3 may be shorter than disclosed in my earlierfiled application. Furthermore, front claw 552.3 may be oblique andangles downwardly and toward the tractor so as to readily engage anddisengage the square-like bottom bar 512 and its front plate 512.2.Furthermore, it should be noted that the distance between claws 552.2,552.3 is slightly greater than the width of bar 512 so that the clawedlatch 552 rides on three sides of the transverse bar 512 but is easilypivotable off the transverse bar 512. When coupled, rear claw 552.2bears most of the load of an implement.

A pair of wedgable ears 560, 561 are rigidly connected to and extendfrontwardly from the lift fork 551 on each side of the clawed latch 552.The ears 560, 561 extend toward each other and include a pair ofrespective outer, rear edges 562, 563 which are spaced from each otherat a distance slightly greater than the distance between the inner facesof upright support member 502, 503 so that the ears are frictionallyslidable or wedgable between and frictionally engagable with or wedgablein the upright support members 502, 503.

A pair of triangular, shim, abutment members 570, 571 are rigidlyaffixed to a bottom portion of an implement such as the lift fork 551. Adownwardly and frontwardly extending abutment edge 572 of each of thetriangular members 570, 571 bears against the front edges of the supportmembers 502, 503 when the coupling 501 is connected to its couplingcounterpart 500 so as to provide a tight, snug coupling relationshipwith little transverse or lateral movement between coupler 501 and hitchmechanism 500. The shim or abutment members 570, 571 also dispose theimplement 551 in a desired orientation relative the lift hitch 400. Itshould be noted that the clawed latch 552 may be mounted on bar-liketapered shims disposed between the claw latch 552 and the implement 551.

In operation, to couple an implement such as the lift fork 551 to thelift hitch 400, the hydraulic cylinders 412 of a front end loader areextended to tilt the top portion of the lift hitch 400 downwardly towardthe lift fork 551 until the hook receiving pins 514 are disposedunderneath their respect hooks 550. Subsequently, the lift hitch 400 islifted upwardly in its canted position to insert the pins 514 in theinverted hooks 550. As the hooks 550 receive the pins 514, the pistons412.1 of the hydraulic cylinders 412 are retracted to return the lifthitch 400 to an upright position. As the lift hitch returns to orslightly past an upright position, the weight of the implement 551forces the clawed latched 552 to bear against a front portion 551 of thelocking plate 539.2. As the clawed latch 552 bears against the lockingbar 539 and forces the locking bar 539 to pivot upwardly and toward thetractor, the weight of the implement forces the claws 552.2, 552.3 ofeach of the latches 552 about the respective sides 512.1, 512.2 of thebottom transverse bar 512. The locking bar 539, which is continuouslyurged toward the implement by coil spring 541, slips onto an uppersurface portion 552.4 of the latch 552, thereby locking the clawed latch552 to the bottom transverse bar 512. With the embodiment shown in FIG.12A, the ear like wedges 562, 563 are frictionally wedged between theinterfaces of the upright support members 502, 503 as the clawed latch552 pivots to grab the bottom transverse bar 512. The wedges 562, 563limit transverse or lateral movement of the coupling counterpart 501relative the lift hitch 400. The triangular, shim, abutment members 570,571 serve as stops to dispose the implement 551 relative the lift hitch40 in a desired orientation. After the clawed latch 552 is attachedabout the transverse bar 512 and the locking bar 539 has slipped on tothe clawed latch 552, the end 522 of the locking lever 520 is pusheddownwardly to compress the coil spring 532 and slide the cylinder 530down the piston 536. As the lever 520 approaches a parallel orientationrelative the cylinder 530 and piston 536, an over-center point isattained so as to lock the lever 520 in a substantially parallelrelationship with the cylinder 530 and piston 536 and thus lock thelocking bar 536 over the clawed latch 552. To assure a lockedrelationship between lever 520 and bar 539, a pin may be inserted incooperating apertures 523, 524.

To uncouple an implement from the lift hitch 400, the locking lever 520is pulled through the over-center point such as by a control lineaffixed between end 552 of the lever 520 and the tractor, which mayoperate and pull in the line. After the locking lever 520 moves throughthe over-center point, the coil spring 532 extends to urge and pivot thelever 520 upwardly until slack is produced between lever 520, cylinder530, piston 536 and locking bar 539. Subsequently, the hydrauliccylinders 412 of the front end loader are extended to tilt the topportion of the lift hitch 400 downwardly and away from the tractor.During such a tilting, the control line 524 is drawn in to pivot thelocking bar 539 upwardly and off of the clawed latch 552 so that theweight of the implement 551 urges the clawed latch 552 to pivot off ofthe transverse bar 512. After the clawed latch 552 is released, the lifthitch 400 is lowered in its canted position to slide the pin 514 downand out of the inverted hook 550.

It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 11A, a pair of rollers 580 maybe rotatably affixed to bottom side portions of bar 539 by a pin 581.The pin 581 may be received in an aperture formed in the bar 539. Eachroller 580 bears against the upper surface 552.4 of the latch 552. Sucha roller 580 may provide a more efficient pressure bearing relationshipbetween locking plate 539 and clawed latch 552.

It should be noted that instead of the compression spring 532, cylinder530 and piston 536, a hydraulic cylinder 595 with fluid lines 597, 598may be provided and connected between apertures 537.1 and 521. Thehydraulic cylinder 595 may be pivotally connected to fin 515 at pinconnector 521 and to a fin 596 affixed to bar 539 via pin connector537.1. With such a hydraulic cylinder, lever 520 is excluded.

As shown by FIG. 13, the present invention includes a retractable orfold up, lift or pallet fork implement 600 adaptable for connection to apivotable clawed latch 552 and inverted hook 550 and hence connectableto one of the outer locking mechanisms 500. The lift fork 600 includesan upright U-channelled piece 601 with a floor 601.1 and a pivotable,retractable lift fork 602 pivotally affixed at a first end 603 to abottom end 604 of the U-channelled 601 by a pin connector 605.

A top end 606 of the U-channelled member 601 includes a frontwardlyextending fin 607. A lift fork retaining, pivotable, U-channelled cap608 is pivotally connected to the fin 607 by a pin connector 609. Thecap 608 includes a lift fork retaining plate 610.

One end of a coil spring 611 is affixed to a side plate of theU-channelled cap 608 and the other end of the coil spring 611 is affixedto a central front portion of one of the side plates of the U-channelledmember 601.

The bottom flange 615 extends from each of the side plates of the bottomend 604 of the U-channel 601 and is affixed to the floor 601.1. Each ofthe flanges 615 includes a pair of respective pin receiving apertures616, 617. A pin connected in one of the apertures 616, 617 may serve asa retainer so that a drawbar may be carried in an upright position inthe U-channelled piece 601 between the cap 608, floor 601.1 and theflanges 615. Both a drawbar and the retractable lift fork 602 may becarried in the U-channel upright member 601.

A bottom portion of the front face of the U-channel 601 may include apair of spaced apart bars or bumper plates 620 to bear against the frontface of the lift hitch 400 such as the upright supports 502, 503. Thespaced apart bars or bumper plates 620 provide a more secure fit for thecoupling 501 relative the hitch 400 by limiting movement therebetweenand absorbing vibrations. Upper plate 602 may be formed of a resilientor pliable material. It should further be noted that a second pair ofresilient or pliable bumper plates 621 may be affixed to coupler 501near the inverted U-shaped 550 to provide a snug fit between upperportions of the hitch 400 and implement and absorb vibrations createdtherebetween.

In operation, the lift fork implement 600 is connectable to the outerlocking mechanism 500. After the lift fork 602 has been deployed andutilized the in the field, it may be desirable to retract lift fork 602to, for instance, utilize the retractable hooks 11, 12, 13. To retractthe lift fork 602, the pin 616 is removed and the fork 602 is swungupwardly and toward the tractor and into the U-channel 601.Subsequently, the retaining cap 608 is pivoted over the top end 606 ofthe U-channel 601 so that the outward end 602.1 of the fork 602 isdisposed in the U-channel 601 between the front panel of the U-channel601 and the plate 610 of the retaining cap 608. Hence the lift fork 602is oriented in an out of the way position to allow operation of, forinstance, the hooks 11, 12, 13. As shown in FIG. 14, a lift forkimplement 700 includes an upright bar 701 integrally connected atapproximately a right angle to lift fork 702. An angle iron 703 isrigidly affixed to a lower, front portion of the upright bar 701. Theangle iron 703 includes a pair of downwardly extending locks 704 withabutting edges 705, 706. An inverted U-shaped hook 708 is integrallyconnected to the top end of the upright bar 701.

In operation, the lift fork implement 700 is connectable in each of therectangular openings 21 shown in FIGS. 1-3, and 9-10 when the respectivebottom hook 12 or 13 is retracted. To couple one of the hitches 10 or400 to the lift fork implement 700, the hitch 10 or 400 is pushed intothe lock 704 so that the rectangular opening 21 receives the lock 704 sothat the top bar 15 or 402 is disposed under the U-shaped lock 708.Subsequently, hitch 10 or 400 is raised so that the abutment edges 705,706 and a bottom, front face of top bar 701 bear against and abut a topportion 702 of upright supports 18, 19 or the equivalent bar portion inhitch 400. The lift fork implement 700 is then ready for liftingoperations. To uncouple the implement 700, the procedure is simplyreversed.

As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, a removable top or bottom hook 800includes a hook portion 801 and a plate receiving slot 802 formed byplate abutting edges 803, 804. An indent 805 is formed by a curved edge806 and a straight edge 807. A hook receiving opening 810 may be formedin a front plate 811 of a top or upright support bar, such as top bar 15of hitch 10. A transverse locking bar 812 is biased so as to becontinuously urged toward an inside face of side plate 811 by a springmeans 813 affixed to a pin 814. The transverse locking bar 812 ispivotally affixed between a pair of side plates 816, which may beaffixed in a top bar, such as top bar 15, or which may have U-channeledupright supports similar to the upright supports 18 and 19 of hitch 10in FIGS. 1 or 2.

In operation, hook 800 is inserted into the slot 810 so that the curvededge 806 bears against and forces the biased bar 812 away from plate811.

Simultaneously, the slot 802 of the hook 800 may be slid downwardlyabout the side plate 811 until a bottom portion 819 of the bar 812 isurged against and snaps against the intersection of curved edge 806 andstraight edge 807 of the hook 800.

To uncouple the hook 800 from the plate 811 the locking bar 812 ispulled away from the indent 805 such as by a control line affixed to abottom portion 820 of a lever pivotally affixed between side plates 816.The hook 800 is then slipped off the plate 811 as a top portion 822 ofthe lever 821 bears against portion 819 of the bar 812 and pivots bar812 away from front plate 811.

As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, an alternate embodiment of the bottomtransverse bar 512 of FIGS. 9-12 includes a pivotable transverse block900. The block 900 is pivotally connected between upright supports 502,503 by a pin connector 901. Upright supports 502, 503 include a pair ofrespective inwardly extending stops 902, 903 to preclude excessiverotation or pivoting of block 900. Pivoting of block 900 allows aneasier clamping and removal of claw 552 relative the block 900. Forinstance, as a bottom portion 904 of the latch 552 bears against block900, the block 900 pivots so that an upper face 905 moves into aparallel, abutting relationship with portion 904. As the implement 551is urged further into the hitch 400, the latch 552 and block 900 pivotsimultaneously in the same direction, but in the opposite direction asthe original pivoting motion of block 900. Subsequently, locking bar 539snaps into and against edge 552.4 to lock the latch 552 to the block 900and hitch 400.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it istherefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made tothe appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicatethe scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. An interfacing lift hitch for efficiently attachingimplements to a tractor having a power takeoff, comprising:a framehaving front and rear ends, attachment means connected to the rear endfor connecting the frame to the tractor, the attachment means beingaccessible from the rear of the frame, first hitching means having a setof three hooks connectable to the frame for attachment to an implement,each of the hooks being movable to an out of the way position relativethe front end of the frame to provide an unobtrusive front end for theframe, second hitching means connected to the frame for attachment to animplement and being functional after each of said hooks is movable tothe out of the way position, and the frame having a U-like shape toallow an implement to be connected to the power takeoff of the tractorwhereby implements may be attached to either first or second hitchingmeans.
 2. The lift hitch of claim 1, further comprising a T-shapeddrawbar mounting device for attaching drawbars, the drawbar mountingdevice having a set of three pins for cooperating with the hooks of thelift hitch, the drawbar mounting device also including a drawbarreceiving slot and means for holding the drawbar in the drawbarreceiving slot.
 3. The lift hitch of claim 2, further comprising a winchmountable on the drawbar mounting device.
 4. The lift hitch of claim 2,further comprising a stone puller connectable to the drawbar mountingdevice, the stone puller comprising a substantially straight bar portionand a curved bar portion formed integrally with the straight barportion, the straight bar portion receivable in the drawbar receivingslot and the curve bar portion extending therefrom to pull stones. 5.The lift hitch of claim 3, further comprising a soil ripper connectableto the drawbar mounting device, the soil ripper comprising asubstantially straight bar portion and a substantially upright portionrigidly affixed to the straight bar portion, the upright portion havinga curved blade with a pointed tip for digging into and ripping soil, thestraight bar portion receivable in the drawbar receiving slot of thedrawbar mounting device.
 6. An interfacing lift hitch for efficientlyattaching implements to a tractor, comprising:a frame having front andrear ends, attachment means connected to the rear end for connecting theframe to the tractor, the attachment means being accessible from therear of the frame, first hitching means having a set of three hooksconnectable to the frame for attachment to an implement, each of thehooks being movable to an out of the way position relative to front endof the frame to provide an unobtrusive front end for the frame, at leastone of the hooks being pivotally connected to the frame and extendingthrough an opening formed in the front end of the frame to an operatingposition, second hitching means connected to the frame for attachment toan implement and being functional after each of the hooks is movable tothe out of the way position, and a pressure bearing means pivotallyconnected to the frame for bringing pressure to bear on a portion of thepivotal hooks so that another portion of the pivotal hook bears againstthe frame to hold the pivotal hook in a rigid operating position wherebyan implement may be attached to either first or second hitching means.7. The lift hitch of claim 6 wherein the pressure bearing means includesa locking plate pivotally connected between the ends of the frame andbeing continuously urged toward the implement.
 8. The lift hitch ofclaim 7, further comprising a lift fork connectable to the lift hitch,the lift fork comprising a straight lifting bar portion, an upright barportion integrally connected to the straight lifting bar, a U-shaped barportion integrally connected to the upright bar portion, and a lockingbar portion extending in a direction opposite from the straight liftingbar and having a locking downwardly extending portion spaced from theupright bar portion so that the U-shaped bar portion is connectable tothe top of the frame and the locking bar portion is connectable throughthe opening in the frame, the portion of the front end of the framebeing receivable between the upright bar portion and locking downwardlyextending portion when the pivotable hook has been retracted, thelocking plate bringing pressure to bear on the locking bar portion tolock the lift fork to the lift hitch.
 9. An interfacing lift hitch forefficiently attaching implements to a tractor, comprising:a frame havingfront and rear ends and a top bar, attachment means connected to therear end for connecting the frame to the tractor, the attachment meansbeing accessible from the rear of the frame, first hitching means havinga set of three hooks connectable to the frame for attachment to animplement, each of the hooks being movable to an out of the way positionrelative the front end of the frame to provide an unobtrusive front endfor the frame, second hitching means connected to the frame forattachment to an implement and being functional after each of the hooksis movable to the out of the way position, and one of the hooks beingswingingly mounted on the top bar, the hook having an inverted U-shapedportion for bearing against the bar when the swinging hook is in anoperating position, the swinging hook and U-shaped portion beingswingingly retractable from the top bar and front end whereby implementsmay be attached to either first or second hitching means.
 10. Aninterfacing lift hitch for efficiently attaching implements to atractor, comprising:a frame having front and rear ends and a platerigidly affixed to the frame, attachment means connected to the rear endfor connecting the frame to the tractor, the attachment means beingaccessible from the rear of the frame, first hitching means having a setof three hooks connectable to the frame for attachment to an implement,each of the hooks being movable to an out of the way position relativethe front end of the frame to provide an unobtrusive front end for theframe, second hitching means connected to the frame for attachment to animplement and being functional after each of the hooks is movable to theout of the way position, at least one of the hooks being removablyconnected to the plate, the removable hook having slot edges forming aslot for cooperating with the plate, and pressure bearing meansconnected to the frame for bringing pressure to bear on a portion of theremovable hook so that the slot edges of the removable hook bear againstthe frame to hold the removable hook in a rigid operating positionwhereby an implement may be attached to either first or second hitchingmeans.
 11. An interfacing lift hitch for efficiently attachingimplements to a tractor, comprising:a frame having front and rear ends,attachment means connected to the rear end for connecting the frame tothe tractor, the attachment means being accessible from the rear of theframe, and a set of three hooks connected to the frame for attachment toan implement, each of the hooks being retractable into the frame betweenthe front and rear ends to provide an unobtrusive front end for theframe.
 12. The lift hitch of claim 11, and further comprising a drawbarmounting device for attaching drawbars, the drawbar mounting devicehaving a set of three pins for cooperating with the hooks of the lifthitch, the drawbar mounting device also including a drawbar mountingmeans.
 13. The lift hitch of claim 11, further comprising a winchmountable on the hooks of the lift hitch.
 14. The lift hitch of claim11, wherein the frame comprises a U-like shape such that a power takeoff of the tractor is extendable through the frame to be connectable toan implement.
 15. The lift hitch of claim 11, and further comprising adrawbar stand for holding massive drawbars, lift forks, and palletforks, the stand comprising:a pair of spaced apart angle irons, aU-channel section rigidly affixed to and between the angle irons andhaving a U-channel, and a slotted bar rigidly mounted on the U-channelsection and having a slot whereby drawbars, lift forks, and pallet forksare receivable in the U-channel and slot for storage.